After a last snow control which took place this Sunday morning FIS officials have confirmed the Audi FIS Ski World Cup races scheduled in Val Gardena/Groeden (ITA) on 19th-20th December 2014 and Alta Badia (ITA) on 21st December 2014.

Val Gardena will host two DH training runs on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by a super-G is on Friday and the men’s downhill on Saturday. After the speed block, the Tour will move to neighboring Alta Badia for the traditional GS on the Gran Risa in Alta Badia.

The pre-Christmas block of races should wrap up with the slalom in Madonna di Campiglio, pending its confirmation which hopefully should be granted following the snow control scheduled for Tuesday, 18th December 2014.

As FIS Race Director Helmuth Schmalzl stated after the inspection on the Saslong in Val Gardena on Sunday morning, the lift company has been able to produce the snow necessary to cover the critical sections of the course. Especially the Finish schuss needed significant work. “The impossible has been made possible” said Schmalzl. “We would like to extend our gratitude to the OC in Val Gardena/Gröden, the lift company Saslong with its very powerful snow-making machinery and all the people involved.”

A total of 50 staff members, six snow cats and 65 snow cannons have been in use since December 10th to finish the racing profile on the Saslong course. A total of three snow inspections were performed by the International Ski Federation FIS before the races were finally confirmed.